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intermediategourmet
Straw Mushroom
Volvariella volvacea
Popular in Asian cuisine. Grows on rice straw in warm, humid conditions. Best eaten fresh - does not store well.
Growing Timeline
Total time from inoculation to harvest: approximately 27 days
Growth Phases
1
Inoculation
Typically 1-1 days
Temp: 29-35°C
Humidity: 80-90%
Tasks
- Prepare rice straw beds
- Layer with spawn
Tips
- Needs high heat - tropical species
- Traditional on rice straw
2
Colonization
Typically 7-14 days
Temp: 29-35°C
Humidity: 80-90%
Tasks
- Maintain high temperature
- Keep straw moist
Tips
- Very fast in ideal conditions
- Cannot tolerate cold
3
Fruiting
Typically 5-10 days
Temp: 28-32°C
Humidity: 85-95%
Tasks
- Maintain warmth and humidity
- Harvest frequently
Tips
- Multiple flushes over weeks
- Grow in egg/button stage
4
Harvest
Typically 1-2 days
Temp: 28-32°C
Humidity: 85-95%
Tasks
- Harvest in button/egg stage
- Use immediately
Tips
- Best at button stage
- Very short shelf life
Common Issues
- Dies below 70°F
- Short shelf life
- High temp maintenance
Growing Tips
- Common in Thai/Chinese cooking
- Needs consistently high temps
- Cannot be refrigerated